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The White Rajahs of Sarawak
Robert Payne tells the story of the Brooke dynasty, James, Charles, and Vyner, who, between them, ruled as Rajahs of Sarawak for over a hundred years.
190 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
23 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Robert Payne
339 books34 followersPierre Stephen Robert Payne was born December 4, 1911, in Saltash, County of Cornwall, England, the son of Stephen Payne, a naval architect, and Mireille Louise Antonia (Dorey) Payne, a native of France. Payne was the eldest of three brothers. His middle brother was Alan (Marcel Alan), and his youngest brother was Tony, who died at the age of seven.
Payne went to St. Paul's School, London. He attended the Diocesan College, Rondebosch, South Africa, 1929-30; the University of Capetown, 1928-1930; Liverpool University, 1933-35; the University of Munich, summer, 1937, and the Sorbonne, in Paris, 1938.
Payne first followed his father into shipbuilding, working as a shipwright's apprentice at Cammell, Laird's Shipbuilding Company, Birkendhead, 1931-33. He also worked for the Inland Revenue as an Assistant Inspector of Taxes in Guilford in 1936. In 1937-38 he traveled in Europe and, while in Munich, met Adolf Hitler through Rudolf Hess, an incident which Payne vividly describes in his book Eyewitness. In 1938 Payne covered the Civil War in Spain for the London News Chronicle, an experience that resulted in two books, A Young Man Looks at Europe and The Song of the Peasant.
From 1939 to 1941 Payne worked as a shipwright at the Singapore Naval Base and in 1941 he became an armament officer and chief camouflage officer for British Army Intelligence there. In December, 1941, he was sent to Chungking, China, to serve as Cultural Attaché at the British Embassy.
In January, 1942, he covered the battle of Changsha for the London Times, and from 1942 to 1943 he taught English literature at Fuhtan University, near Chungking. Then, persuaded by Joseph Needham, he went to Kunming and taught poetry and naval architecture at Lienta University from 1943 to 1946. The universities of Peking, Tsinghua, and Nankai had converged in Kunming to form the University at Lienta. It was there that Payne, together with Chinese scholars and poets, compiled and co-translated The White Pony.
In China Payne met General George C. Marshall, Chiang Kai-shek, and Mao Tse-tung, who was elusive and living in the caves of Yenan, all of whom later became subjects for his biographies. From his time in China also came the autobiographical volumes Forever China and China Awake, and the historical novels Love and Peace and The Lovers.
From China, Payne briefly visited India in the summer, 1946, which resulted in a love for Indian art. Throughout his life, Payne retained a love for all forms of oriental art.
He came to the United States in the winter of 1946 and lived in Los Angeles, California, until he became Professor of English and Author-in-Residence at Alabama College, Montevallo, 1949-54. He was the founding editor of Montevallo Review, whose contributors included poets Charles Olson and Muriel Rukeyser. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1953.
In Spring, 1949, Payne visited Persia with the Asia Institute Expedition. He received an M.A. degree from the Asia Institute in 1951.
In 1954 Payne moved to New York City, where he lived the rest of his life, interrupted once or twice a year by travel to the Middle East, the Far East, and Europe, mostly to gather material for his books, but also to visit his mother and father in England. His very close literary relationship with his father is documented in the hundreds of highly personal and informative letters which they exchanged.
In 1942, Payne married Rose Hsiung, daughter of Hsiung Hse-ling, a former prime minister of China. They divorced in 1952. In 1981, he married Sheila Lalwani, originally from India.
Over a period of forty-seven years Payne had more than 110 books published. He wrote his first novella, Adventures of Sylvia, Queen of Denmark and China, when he was seven years old. Payne's first publication was a translation of Iiuri Olesha's Envy, published by Virginia and Leonard Woolf's Hogarth Press in 1936. A year later, T.S. Eliot published his novel The War in the Marshes under
Payne went to St. Paul's School, London. He attended the Diocesan College, Rondebosch, South Africa, 1929-30; the University of Capetown, 1928-1930; Liverpool University, 1933-35; the University of Munich, summer, 1937, and the Sorbonne, in Paris, 1938.
Payne first followed his father into shipbuilding, working as a shipwright's apprentice at Cammell, Laird's Shipbuilding Company, Birkendhead, 1931-33. He also worked for the Inland Revenue as an Assistant Inspector of Taxes in Guilford in 1936. In 1937-38 he traveled in Europe and, while in Munich, met Adolf Hitler through Rudolf Hess, an incident which Payne vividly describes in his book Eyewitness. In 1938 Payne covered the Civil War in Spain for the London News Chronicle, an experience that resulted in two books, A Young Man Looks at Europe and The Song of the Peasant.
From 1939 to 1941 Payne worked as a shipwright at the Singapore Naval Base and in 1941 he became an armament officer and chief camouflage officer for British Army Intelligence there. In December, 1941, he was sent to Chungking, China, to serve as Cultural Attaché at the British Embassy.
In January, 1942, he covered the battle of Changsha for the London Times, and from 1942 to 1943 he taught English literature at Fuhtan University, near Chungking. Then, persuaded by Joseph Needham, he went to Kunming and taught poetry and naval architecture at Lienta University from 1943 to 1946. The universities of Peking, Tsinghua, and Nankai had converged in Kunming to form the University at Lienta. It was there that Payne, together with Chinese scholars and poets, compiled and co-translated The White Pony.
In China Payne met General George C. Marshall, Chiang Kai-shek, and Mao Tse-tung, who was elusive and living in the caves of Yenan, all of whom later became subjects for his biographies. From his time in China also came the autobiographical volumes Forever China and China Awake, and the historical novels Love and Peace and The Lovers.
From China, Payne briefly visited India in the summer, 1946, which resulted in a love for Indian art. Throughout his life, Payne retained a love for all forms of oriental art.
He came to the United States in the winter of 1946 and lived in Los Angeles, California, until he became Professor of English and Author-in-Residence at Alabama College, Montevallo, 1949-54. He was the founding editor of Montevallo Review, whose contributors included poets Charles Olson and Muriel Rukeyser. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1953.
In Spring, 1949, Payne visited Persia with the Asia Institute Expedition. He received an M.A. degree from the Asia Institute in 1951.
In 1954 Payne moved to New York City, where he lived the rest of his life, interrupted once or twice a year by travel to the Middle East, the Far East, and Europe, mostly to gather material for his books, but also to visit his mother and father in England. His very close literary relationship with his father is documented in the hundreds of highly personal and informative letters which they exchanged.
In 1942, Payne married Rose Hsiung, daughter of Hsiung Hse-ling, a former prime minister of China. They divorced in 1952. In 1981, he married Sheila Lalwani, originally from India.
Over a period of forty-seven years Payne had more than 110 books published. He wrote his first novella, Adventures of Sylvia, Queen of Denmark and China, when he was seven years old. Payne's first publication was a translation of Iiuri Olesha's Envy, published by Virginia and Leonard Woolf's Hogarth Press in 1936. A year later, T.S. Eliot published his novel The War in the Marshes under
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 25, 2008
The White Rajahs are one of my many historical fetishes -- that is to say, persons or events that I've somewhat randomly read about in inordinate detail in proportion to their actual relative importance. More a historical footnote (in the great scheme of things) than personages of lasting significance, to my mind this obscurity contributes to the White Rajahs' allure.
So, for the uninitiated, I give this short synopsis of what the White Rajahs were. Briefly: in 1841 an English army officer and adventurer, James Brooke, was handed over a large chunk of Borneo by the Sultan of Brunei, who was grateful for Brooke's help in suppressing a local uprising as well as his ridding the seas of a pestilential group of marauding pirates. Brooke, having made the city of Kuching his headquarters, set about in a somewhat paternalistic but benign manner to "reform" his distant and exotic domain. Naturally, he used Britain as a model, particularly the British civil service, yet he was also surprisingly tolerant of local customs and mores, including some tribes' penchant for headhunting. All manner of interesting compromises were struck during this era, as one might imagine.
The reign of the White Rajahs continued with the descendents of James Brooke (three rajahs in all), all the way up until 1946, when the last rajah ceded Sarawak to the British colonial office. Now, of course, it is part of Malaysia.
The charm of this saga relies, of course, on an appreciation of (can I say this?) the more benevolent aspects of colonialism. While the White Rajahs were far from perfect, they left quite a legacy -- for one thing, they assured that the indigenous population wasn't unduly interfered with by other (more opportunistic) colonial powers that laid waste to local cultures, plus they left an interesting architectural and administrative legacy. It's quite clear, too, that they had the respect and cooperation of the local people, who may have realized that the rajahs fulfilled a much-needed role as moderator between the various often-warring tribes. From a legacy of bloodshed, the rajahs wrought commerce. It's easy to see why this rather odd cultural graft "took."
Unfortunately (though understandably) books on the White Rajahs are a bit hard to come by. I've long coveted the one written by Sir Steven Runciman, who has written such lucid accounts of the Crusades and Byzantium. Alas, it's almost impossible to lay hands on (or at least not at a price I can afford). The present book, by Robert Payne, is not a particularly well written account of the White Rajahs, but at least it is a serviceable one.
I've always dreamt of travelling to Sarawak, to see Kuching and whatever traces are left of the White Rajahs. This particular bit of armchair travel occupies a fond spot in my imagination. Chances are, I'll never go. But chances are, if I did go, I'd be disappointed. Sarawak is one corner of the globe I think just may be more satisfying to contemplate that actually peregrinate, particularly with a "backward glance" at its colonial splendors.
So, for the uninitiated, I give this short synopsis of what the White Rajahs were. Briefly: in 1841 an English army officer and adventurer, James Brooke, was handed over a large chunk of Borneo by the Sultan of Brunei, who was grateful for Brooke's help in suppressing a local uprising as well as his ridding the seas of a pestilential group of marauding pirates. Brooke, having made the city of Kuching his headquarters, set about in a somewhat paternalistic but benign manner to "reform" his distant and exotic domain. Naturally, he used Britain as a model, particularly the British civil service, yet he was also surprisingly tolerant of local customs and mores, including some tribes' penchant for headhunting. All manner of interesting compromises were struck during this era, as one might imagine.
The reign of the White Rajahs continued with the descendents of James Brooke (three rajahs in all), all the way up until 1946, when the last rajah ceded Sarawak to the British colonial office. Now, of course, it is part of Malaysia.
The charm of this saga relies, of course, on an appreciation of (can I say this?) the more benevolent aspects of colonialism. While the White Rajahs were far from perfect, they left quite a legacy -- for one thing, they assured that the indigenous population wasn't unduly interfered with by other (more opportunistic) colonial powers that laid waste to local cultures, plus they left an interesting architectural and administrative legacy. It's quite clear, too, that they had the respect and cooperation of the local people, who may have realized that the rajahs fulfilled a much-needed role as moderator between the various often-warring tribes. From a legacy of bloodshed, the rajahs wrought commerce. It's easy to see why this rather odd cultural graft "took."
Unfortunately (though understandably) books on the White Rajahs are a bit hard to come by. I've long coveted the one written by Sir Steven Runciman, who has written such lucid accounts of the Crusades and Byzantium. Alas, it's almost impossible to lay hands on (or at least not at a price I can afford). The present book, by Robert Payne, is not a particularly well written account of the White Rajahs, but at least it is a serviceable one.
I've always dreamt of travelling to Sarawak, to see Kuching and whatever traces are left of the White Rajahs. This particular bit of armchair travel occupies a fond spot in my imagination. Chances are, I'll never go. But chances are, if I did go, I'd be disappointed. Sarawak is one corner of the globe I think just may be more satisfying to contemplate that actually peregrinate, particularly with a "backward glance" at its colonial splendors.
September 9, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Fascinating story of how 3 generations of one white British family ruled the region (now Malaysian state) of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, from the 1840s to the 1940s. A rarely examined piece of history in a rarely examined (by most Americans at least) part of the world. Also a simple, very high-level introduction to the native Dayak people and their culture during that era. Similarly, a very high-level, simple overview of British colonialism during the same timeframe. Very well researched, but the focus is strictly on the three Brooke men and their reign as the Rajah of Sarawak, so the book is a quick read.
The writing was the weak point — published in 1960, the vocabulary and phrasing were often a little archaic (or perhaps very British). The overall structure of the book was generally fine, but individual chapters often lacked the structure and signposts (e.g., dates, introductory sentences, helpful references) that would have made it easier to understand the sequence of events (especially after an often interesting digression or aside threw off the flow). Still, it should be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in Borneo or in the history of British colonialism in obscure corners of the world.
The writing was the weak point — published in 1960, the vocabulary and phrasing were often a little archaic (or perhaps very British). The overall structure of the book was generally fine, but individual chapters often lacked the structure and signposts (e.g., dates, introductory sentences, helpful references) that would have made it easier to understand the sequence of events (especially after an often interesting digression or aside threw off the flow). Still, it should be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in Borneo or in the history of British colonialism in obscure corners of the world.
July 1, 2018
It was interesant to find out About this period in the history of Sarawak. The English Rajah's seem to have loved the country and its people and to have wanted the best for them. However I found the tone of the writing style very British is best and a bit patronising in how it describes the local people. Still worth a read though, especially of you are interested in the area. My dad sailed to Borneo and my daughter went there for an expedition.
December 18, 2019
This book is about the romantic island of Borneo, which have enchanted the three Rajahs Brooke namely James, Charles and Vyner. One could feel how special this island has become to the three rajahs throughout their reign of power. I can't help but feel awed at the words written by James Brooke himself that they, the Europeans were merely labour to the natives, to protect them from oppression and exploitation until such time they could govern by themselves. Sarawak belongs to the Malays, the Dayaks, Kayans, Kenyah, Melanau, Murut, Kadazan, Bidayuhs and other tribes.
Throughout my reading, I could almost imagine hearing the war-cry of the Dayaks; the relentless head hunters, the long feather of the hornbill sticking from the back of their heads, the tattoos on their bodies and their blowguns with poison darts, machetes.
If you love adventure with a hint of romance of the place and the people, this book is certainly for you.
"Fear nothing for me; the decision is in higher Hands; and I am willing to die as live in the present undertaking, if my death can benefit the poor people" - James Brooke
Throughout my reading, I could almost imagine hearing the war-cry of the Dayaks; the relentless head hunters, the long feather of the hornbill sticking from the back of their heads, the tattoos on their bodies and their blowguns with poison darts, machetes.
If you love adventure with a hint of romance of the place and the people, this book is certainly for you.
"Fear nothing for me; the decision is in higher Hands; and I am willing to die as live in the present undertaking, if my death can benefit the poor people" - James Brooke
April 15, 2023
Really loved reading this book, about a succession of three generations of British rulers in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. The story reads like something out of a fairytale despite being true. It's got everything from tribal warfare to pirates, headhunters, coups, etc.
While at first glance the reader might interpret the Rajahs' rule as stereotypical colonialism, Payne reveals a more benevolent side to these Rajahs, whose ultimate goal and purpose was to improve the lives of the people of Sarawak. The third and final Rajah embodied this best, with that love and passion for the people and the land serving as the motivating factor behind every decision he took as ruler.
While at first glance the reader might interpret the Rajahs' rule as stereotypical colonialism, Payne reveals a more benevolent side to these Rajahs, whose ultimate goal and purpose was to improve the lives of the people of Sarawak. The third and final Rajah embodied this best, with that love and passion for the people and the land serving as the motivating factor behind every decision he took as ruler.
August 15, 2024
This book, although it contains outdated language and descriptions of groups of people native to Borneo, offers an interesting look into the history and society of Sarawak and the Brooke family, which ruled the country for a century. Written when the last Rajah, Vyner, was still alive, this account was well-written and engaging for a reader who was already aware of Sarawak and the Brookes but knew little of how this family came to power in a region very far from their native England. It is a work of its time and thus suffers from certain biases but it nonetheless is a good read for people who are interested in this fascinating history.
April 10, 2018
A good solid book. I perhaps prefer Runchiman a bit more.
March 17, 2022
I wish I had read this book before I went to Borneo, Sarawak, and Kuching, but at least I'm reading it now. Fascinating place if you can see past the palm oil plantations.
September 13, 2016
While looking for a setting for the sequel for Chasing Dragons, I became interested in the Island of Borneo...the third largest island in the world. I needed a setting for Duke Kellogg, Edwina Watt and their trusty Lockheed Lodestar aircraft to drop in for their next adventure. Then I stumbled on to the story of the the White Rajahs of Sarawak. I searched Amazon and settled on this book. What an incredible story...almost unimaginable in its scope.
In the early 1800s Borneo was a wild and ungovernable place loosely ruled by a Sultan in Brunei through Rajahs in various subordinate provinces. A young British aristocrat and explorer named James Brooke set out to visit the Far East hoping to set foot where no European had before. His travels took him by chance to Sarawak, a province in Northwestern Borneo. He immediately fell in love with the country and its people. Through the strength of his personality and personal courage he managed to endear himself to the sovereign of the region. The Rajah was a weak ruler plagued by political squabbling among his brothers, the royal princes, and conflicts between his ethnically diverse subjects…Malays, head-hunting Dyaks and Chinese. Sarawak was also preyed upon by hordes of pirates. Brooke led a semi-effective military campaign to suppress them. As a trusted adviser to the court and a general in the field, Brooke soon became the second most influential man in Sarawak.
When he became frustrated by the Rajah's reluctance to act more forcibly to suppress rebellions and unify the province, he suggested that the Rajah abdicate and name him as successor. Inexplicably, that’s exactly what he eventually did, making James Brooke the first White Rajah of Borneo. As such, he had absolute authority over an area three times the size of his native United Kingdom. It was an awkward arrangement as he was simultaneously a sovereign ruler, a vassal of the Sultan of Brunei and, as a British citizen, a subject of the Queen of England. In spite of this difficult arrangement, he managed to make it work for over 20 years. He was a classic romantic despot. He did not seek personal gain, but rather devoted himself to improving the lives of his subjects. He made no serious effort to convert the Muslim Malays or pagan Dyaks to Christianity. When the Dyaks objected to his attempts to curb headhunting, he relented. The result was that he enjoyed the loyalty of the majority of his subjects.
This book details the triumphs and tribulations of the White Rajah's reign and those of his two successors. All in all, the Brooke family ruled for 100 years with their unique brand of benign colonialism. It is one heck of a story...and one that heretofore I knew nothing about.
This should be fertile ground as a setting for my sequel to Chasing Dragons. My working title is Chasing the White Rajah. Now, all I need is a credible plot to put my characters into motion.
In the early 1800s Borneo was a wild and ungovernable place loosely ruled by a Sultan in Brunei through Rajahs in various subordinate provinces. A young British aristocrat and explorer named James Brooke set out to visit the Far East hoping to set foot where no European had before. His travels took him by chance to Sarawak, a province in Northwestern Borneo. He immediately fell in love with the country and its people. Through the strength of his personality and personal courage he managed to endear himself to the sovereign of the region. The Rajah was a weak ruler plagued by political squabbling among his brothers, the royal princes, and conflicts between his ethnically diverse subjects…Malays, head-hunting Dyaks and Chinese. Sarawak was also preyed upon by hordes of pirates. Brooke led a semi-effective military campaign to suppress them. As a trusted adviser to the court and a general in the field, Brooke soon became the second most influential man in Sarawak.
When he became frustrated by the Rajah's reluctance to act more forcibly to suppress rebellions and unify the province, he suggested that the Rajah abdicate and name him as successor. Inexplicably, that’s exactly what he eventually did, making James Brooke the first White Rajah of Borneo. As such, he had absolute authority over an area three times the size of his native United Kingdom. It was an awkward arrangement as he was simultaneously a sovereign ruler, a vassal of the Sultan of Brunei and, as a British citizen, a subject of the Queen of England. In spite of this difficult arrangement, he managed to make it work for over 20 years. He was a classic romantic despot. He did not seek personal gain, but rather devoted himself to improving the lives of his subjects. He made no serious effort to convert the Muslim Malays or pagan Dyaks to Christianity. When the Dyaks objected to his attempts to curb headhunting, he relented. The result was that he enjoyed the loyalty of the majority of his subjects.
This book details the triumphs and tribulations of the White Rajah's reign and those of his two successors. All in all, the Brooke family ruled for 100 years with their unique brand of benign colonialism. It is one heck of a story...and one that heretofore I knew nothing about.
This should be fertile ground as a setting for my sequel to Chasing Dragons. My working title is Chasing the White Rajah. Now, all I need is a credible plot to put my characters into motion.
August 30, 2016
I could not put this book down. The story is so big - adventure, family intrigue, death, it's all here in bold face. It is a biography of people who lived large lives, and yet, screwed it up royally. These are people you love to hate, and for good reason. Rahnee Margaret is a woman who has particularly earned our derision. This is a slice of history long forgotten, well researched and written by an author in love with this subject.
August 2, 2011
The romance of a bygone era--of pirates, headhunters, Sultans and colonial adventurers, captured in this historical yarn on Sarawak during the reign of the White Rajahs. Our Malaysian history textbooks should be written this way--full of details and facts, but never a dull moment.
March 6, 2016
This book took me by surprise. It has so much detail but you are never bored. Colonialism had its faults but I think the Brooke family, although they made mistakes like all people, had a true and honest integrity for the aim of the Malay, Dayaks, Datus and Chinese under their rule.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews